I'm applying for a job at a bank and the application asks if I've been employed by one of their auditing firms. I had but it was 20 years ago and it's on my resume. I'm concerned that selecting " yes " will disqualify me, but "no" would be lying. If it's been 20 years, would it make a difference?

14 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 12,2024 at 5:15PM UTC

   Personally I would remove 20 yrs ago items from my resume. Where it asks about it in the application, is there an option to add a comment that it was over 20 yrs ago? State your case there.

2. AnonymousAugust 12,2024 at 8:05PM UTC

   Call their HR department and ask. Letting them know it's been 20 years ago and is no longer on the resume, but you wanted to make sure they knew it was that long ago. Even if you drop it from your resume, the answer is "yes" you have worked for one of their firms. Answer "yes" then if there's an open field box, add the dates of employment at the firm.

3. AnonymousAugust 12,2024 at 8:49PM UTC

   Just tell them the truth.

4. AnonymousAugust 13,2024 at 5:27AM UTC

   The reason why they ask about this is to determine conflict of interest. Because it has been 20 years, there is no longer any conflict of interest. You should select yes, but the caveat is that it's possible some screening might not take the 20 years into account (they are supposed to though).

   If you are able to get through the internal recruiters or HR as suggested by another poster, point out that is was 20 years ago.

5. AnonymousAugust 13,2024 at 12:46PM UTC

   I recently applied to a bank and the question asked if I had been employed by the audit firm in the last two years. I had worked there but it was like 7 or 8 years ago so I was able to answer no. There was another question about non-competes from previous employees that was very vague and I had the same concern as you have with this question. I had to answer yes but the terms of the non-compete wouldn’t actually impact the role. I answered yes because that was the truth and was like well we will see. I did get an interview for that role so I would be honest (you have to) and trust the process a bit. I know that’s hard especially in this market but there isn’t much more you can do. Good luck!

6. GirlBossanova934974August 13,2024 at 1:25PM UTC

   Banks are no different than any other company when it comes to auditing. This means banks change audit firms every few years. QUESTION: Does the bank in question STILL use the audit firm you were employed by? Been 20 years! IF the bank moved on to a different audit firm, I would not mention I had worked for one of the audit firms used by the bank. OF COURSE, the next question is were YOU personally involved in the annual audit of said bank? If not, again, no need to mention it if the bank has moved on to another audit firm. Last, I would avoid making mention of stuff that happened 20 years ago. AGE discrimination is rampant out there.

7. AnonymousAugust 13,2024 at 4:17PM UTC

   If it is on the resume you submitted then yes. It will show up in any background checks because they will verify the things you list on your resume and they will know. It will likely not disqualify you as long as you were not an auditor that they are presently using.

8. AnonymousAugust 14,2024 at 12:30PM UTC

   I think that because you have your background in that field, you are qualified for that job. The experience that you had 20 years ago needs to be updated. Overall, it continues being the same principles l. Do not worry. You are going to be ok.

   Good luck!

9. AnonymousAugust 14,2024 at 1:19PM UTC

   From what HR has said in several companies I have worked for. While you never want to lie, Resumes are a story about yourself. Applications are a legal document that you are stating the information is the facts and true. I have witnessed people being let go because of not answering the question honestly or lying about education. depending on how many jobs/companies you have in your background the application may not go that far back - so answer honestly and make sure the resume has that information on it.

10. AnonymousAugust 14,2024 at 1:21PM UTC

    Did the bank use the auditing firm when you worked for them? Did you work on the bank's account? Did you leave on good terms? Was any NDA/Non-compete agreement signed that would still be in effect? Unless your experience there had direct dealings with the bank in a negative sense, then you should be fine. This is like asking if you or any family members have ever worked there.

11. Kris WolframAugust 14,2024 at 2:37PM UTC

    Be honest and say yes. I don’t believe it will exclude you but

    of you aren’t truthful, that could

    come back to bite you

12. Julie EAugust 14,2024 at 4:08PM UTC

    If you want to work in banking you have to answer yes because if they find out you like you’re out of there. I work in banking and they are far stricter than most corporations when it comes to pretty much everything. Security is huge and finding a lie would be unacceptable.

13. AnonymousAugust 15,2024 at 12:56PM UTC

    I've worked for 3 financial institutions and the background check process is very intense. If you say no, you will not get that job because you'll be deemed a risk for not being truthful. Definitely better to be up front.

14. Jacob DornAugust 15,2024 at 7:06PM UTC

    say yes. it may well be a positive